Fruit (seed)

Two to four valved, thin capsules borne on short stock in
drooping "catkins"; seeds, when set free in late May or June,
are minute, pale, brownish white, enclosed in a cluster of
white cottony hairs that carry them for long distances. Cottonwoods have male and female trees; only female trees produce cotton.

Range

Found throughout Minnesota, often forming extensive
groves; will grow on dry locations but makes most rapid
progress on moist sites; shade intolerant, very fast-growing.